Pages

Friday, 30 May 2014

Twenty five IV

2009: mozzarella farm in Italy

Change career or not, that was the big question yesterday. And I decided that yes, if changing my career would get me to Canada, I would give it a go. Once I had been established in Canada and was allowed to stay, I could go back to the best job in the world. So, I saved and saved and then booked a holiday to Canada. Seeing it beforehand, would be nice as well.

2010: making a snowman in Germany

In 2011 I touched down in Canada. I spent a few days with my new Canadian friend Kay and her dog Lindy exploring the Rockies (ok) and the Badlands (love at first sight) during my first week. The second week would be spent trying to find myself a job. I drove to so many hotels, near and far, dropped off countless resumés, spoke to several managers and left Canada feeling quite hopefull. The hope didn't last long.

2011: Badlands, Canada

After returning home nothing was heard. At all. I sent out more applications and resumés, but all hotels could get cheaper younger people who were living in the country already, so why get a 40+ person who wasn't even allowed to work in Canada yet. I had tried and I had failed. On to plan B.

2012: Stortinget, Oslo, Norway

Plan B had always been Norway. The downside of Canada had been work. There was plenty of that to be had in Norway. The upside of Canada had been the language, I speak both English and French. In Norway they spoke Norwegian. Which I didn't! A language course was in order. I learnt the language, went on holiday, got a job offer (which I declined), kept learning the language, went on holiday again, had an interview and a few months later I moved.

2013: on top of Preachers Pulpit, Norway

It has been a year and a half since I moved to Norway. Another in a long line of jobs and countries since my graduation 25 years ago. Do I remember what I learned in school? Well, if it has to do with difficult math or chemistry: no, not so much. But, the languages I learnt in school (English and German) did come in handy. Over the years however, I have learnt a lot: the mundane things like learning a new language (French and Norwegian), cooking for myself and dealing with strange paperwork. But the most important thing that I learnt: stand up for myself and don't be afraid to try new things.

2014

Twenty five years ago I was 17 turning on 18. I was shy and quiet around people I didn't know. I am 42 going on 3 now. And even though some of that shyness still persists, to say I am quiet would be lie! I like who I was twenty five years ago. I love who I am now.